Ricardo Fierro, a LULAC Council President, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials since July 24.

Ricardo Fierro, LULAC Council #347 President from Wisconsin, was arrested by ICE officials on July 24 at his home. Ricardo is a dedicated father to his 7 children, entrepreneur, community leader, and activists.

His arrest has caused outrage in the Racine community from prominent elected officials, faith based organizations, and immigrant rights organizations who are working together to seek his immediate release so he can be reunited with his family and children.

Ricardo was brought to the United States as a minor more than 20 years ago. After graduating from Case High School he started a family and career, and developing a reputation an entrepreneur in the community.

LULAC National President, Domingo Garcia, has called for the immediate release of Ricardo Fierro so he can be reunited with his family and children. "He is a dedicated father, community leader, and LULAC Council President. LULAC will fight to protect the rights of each and every member.

“Ricardo has chased the American Dream, building a life for himself and his family in Racine while others often chose to leave,” State Rep. Greta Neubauer said. “He is a devoted father and he has proven himself to be a hard worker. Ricardo gives back more than he receives from our community, whether it is through his work or as a longtime community advocate with the Racine Interfaith Coalition … Ricardo has gone to great lengths to be a law-abiding, contributing member of the community he loves.”

Neubauer has called for Fierro’s release and added “the American people have seen and heard heartbreaking stories of families torn apart by ICE. Last week, it happened right here in Racine.”

Community Leaders Organize in Support

“I can attest to his character, his work ethic, and his efforts to work for citizenship for many years,” Racine Mayor Cory Mason wrote. “Although he may be undocumented, I consider him a model resident of Racine and wish there were hundreds more like him. Racine would be a better city as a result.” Ricardo worked with Mayor John Dickert in an advisory role on issues related to immigration.

Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave also wrote a letter on behalf of Fierro after being informed by Racine Interfaith Coalition co-president Linda Boyle.

“I have known Ricardo Fierro to be a loving husband and father, and dedicated church member who strives to make a difference in the community,” Delagrave wrote. “Ricardo has a spirit that makes the people around him better — lifting them up and making the Racine area a more welcoming place to live. Like others who have met him, I am pleased to speak to Ricardo’s character and positive impact he has made on the community.”

Boyle said Fierro was a dedicated member to the Racine Interfaith Coalition and was involved with the Racine Unified School District by being a member of the middle school transformation committee and RUSD Diversity and Equity Task Force.

“There are few people more dedicated to the Racine community than Ricardo Fierro,” Boyle said in a statement. “As the father of seven children of U.S. citizenship, responsible son and brother, Ricardo’s detention has presented an unimaginable hardship to his family and loved ones.”

According to Boyle, the Fierro family has received more than 50 letters of support and said that shows “his value and importance to our community.

"As a LULAC Council President, dedicated father, community leader, and member of the church, Ricardo's arrest has raised the alarm in the Wisconsin community for all immigrant families. As an outstanding member of the LULAC family we are concerned about his welfare and that of his family. Deporting Ricard Fierro would have a devastating impact on his family and 5 children as the primary head of household. An injustice against anyone is an injustice everywhere." Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President said.